Junior WATSON - Long Overdue 1994

Junior WATSON - Long Overdue 1994
Recorded at Sunburst Studios, Culver City, CA
October 1987, March and October 1992

Blues

With nearly thirty years of experience, Junior Watson has reached cult status. Junior has done what all great artists have done: melting diverse styles to create a style all his own. With influences as diverse as Tiny Grimes, Oscar Moore, Bill Jennings, Rene Hall, Robert Jr. Lockwood, Jimmy Rogers, Eddie Taylor, Guitar Slim, Earl Hooker and others he has truly created one of the most unique and original guitar voices to come along in years. Besides his mastery of blues and swing he often adds his own cartoon-like twist to everything he plays. You'll never know what he will do and when asked he doesn't know himself. His energy and playing gives you a feeling of reckless abandonment. As he was once quoted "like a train off the tracks".

His artist resume is as large as it is impressive. A founding member of The Mighty Flyers he stayed with the band for ten years. He then left to join Canned Heat for ten years. He then toured for a while with LA-based harmonica player/vocalist Lynwood Slim. All along the way he has backed up and recorded with the who's-who of the blues. His list of musical endeavors include backing up and recording with Big Mama Thorton, George Smith, Jimmy Rogers, Shakey Jake, Luther Tucker, Charlie Musselwhite, Kim Wilson, William Clark and there's more. Suffice to say the list is very extensive.

In the past Junior has always been the sideman or featured artist. For the first time in his career he has a band that is taking the back seat and having Junior do all the driving. For the first time you can hear this amazing, original artist wail all night long. This fact alone is exciting and when unleashed, Junior will prove to the rest of the blues community what his cult status is all about.
**
Despite playing the role of perrenial sideman, often in fine bands that left much to be desired in the visibility department, Mike "Junior" Watson was, and is, one of the most influential blues guitarists of his generation. In fact, following Robben Ford's defection into fusion, Watson was rivaled only by Hollywood Fats as king of the hill in California and only by Jimmie Vaughan anywhere else. While he and Vaughan have radically different approaches, Watson's arch-top-cheapo-through-reverb-tank sound has much in common with Hollywood Fats', as does his ability to nail seemingly every traditional electric blues style. But whereas Fats was a master of mimckry, Watson has a spontaneous, original bent laced with his oddball sense of humor. After starting out with harpist Gary Smith in northern California in the early '70s, he teamed with Rod Piazza's Mighty Flyers (née Flying Sauce Band) for 11 years, where he was instrumental in injecting the Chicago-styled blues band (and countless others in its wake) with ample doses of swing, culling licks from guitarists Bill Jennings, Tiny Grimes, and Billy Butler. Along the way he gigged with Charlie Musselwhite, Jimmy Rogers, Luther Tucker and others, eventually joining the '80s edition of Canned Heat, with whom he continued to tour until the late '90s.

Giving jump blues and early R&B a kick in its baggy pants, Watson's aptly-titled solo debut revealed what only guitarists (the more conscientious of them) had known for more than a decade: Here is a 6-stringer of rare talent, with the unique ability to play authentically and spontaneously -- all-too-often contradictory paths in the late '70s blues revival. The best and most fitting compliment one could give a Watson solo is that it makes you laugh; this is blues of the rent party variety and Watson never lapses into the maudlin. Along with singers Brenda Burns and Lynwood Slim (on harp as well), Watson favors us with half a dozen surprisingly confident vocals. In fact, the only criticism is that his voice is sometimes too low in the mix.
By Dan Forte, All Music Guide.
**
Bill Stuve Bass
Jeff Big Dad Turmes- Sax (Baritone)
Junior Watson- Guitar, Vocals
John "Juke" Logan- Organ (Hammond)
Brenda Burns- Vocals
Tom MahonPiano
Lynwood Slim- Harmonica, Vocals
Richard Duran- Vocals (Background)
Mindy GilesMarketing
Victor Gutierez- Vocals (Background)
Rich Holmstom- Vocals (Background)
Larry Taylor- Bass
Jimi Bott- Drums
Tom Fabre- Saxophone
Rick Holmstrom- Vocals (Background), Guitar
Richard Innes- Drums
Fred Kaplan Piano, Organ (Hammond)
**
01. Certainly All 2:40
02. Lonesome Train 4:32
03. Biscuits 4:17
04. Frankie and Johnny 5:05
05. Mojo Boogie 5:15
06. That's What You Are To Me 2:38
07. The Woodpecker 3:28
08. Want Me Some Love 4:40
09. Big Boy 3:55
10. Long Time Baby 2:20
11. Special Lesson #1 3:06
12. The Long Letters 4:12
13. Cool Evening 2:26
14. I Gotta Go (Back Home) 2:08
15. Lump In My Throat 5:20
16. The Train 2:54
17. Don't Leave Me Baby (The Easy Livin' Plan) 3:45
**

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Eric STECKEL Band - Live at Havana 2006

Eric STECKEL Band - Live at Havana 2006

Blues

Eric Steckel (born 1990) is an American blues guitarist and singer. His first album A Few Degrees Warmer was recorded live in 2002. He was just 11 years old and became the youngest in a series of precocious blues performers which began in the 1990s with the names of Jonny Lang, Shannon Curfman, and slightly later, Derek Trucks. As a child prodigy he has been invited to play on stage with such artists as John Mayall, Bob Margolin, Debbie Davies, James Armstrong, Tommy Castro, Solomon Burke, Hubert Sumlin, Craig Thatcher, Danny Bryant. In recent years he has been working with his own band and released three albums, including "Live at Havana 2006".
He has also played the Springing the Blues festival in Jacksonville Beach, Florida the last 4 years.
**
Bouncing between original and cover songs, Steckel unplugs Fender attitudes and straddles a course into Freddie King territory, crossing over into Otis Rush turf and sneaking off into Allman Brothers psychedelia.
Whatever influences there were in the beginning, Eric is shedding them like snakeskin to nurture a sound of his own. Eric slow burns with "Radio Blues", immortalizes Santana with the Latino "Espirita" and turns "Little Wing" into an almost ten minute guitar pyrotechnical display that is spell-binding. His own "Philips Highway" sees the band aggregate riding the rock pony into the hills of blues.
The blueprints of Steckel's music come out of guitar player vaults that were reserved for cranking up blues rock to stadium levels. While many kids his age are listening to rap and hip-hop, Eric looks the other way, cranks up his guitar and pummels out licks that never lose their appeal for us older people who wish they made that giant step when they had the chance."
By Gary Weeks.
**
What a surprise,looking for some records in my habitual Barcelona's records store (Disco 100, what a good professionals they are) I found this Eric Steckel's record 'Live at Havana' when exactly the day before I had read in Amazon its 'mbernocchi''s review. Although Steckel's youth (sixteen years) made me hesitate, I heeded `mbernocchi''s description and I bought it right away and went home to listen to it.

I am almost in full agreement with the whole of mbernocchi's point of view; very good guitar playing, even if somehow fuzzy in some passages of the disk; three great themes; a very good cover Freddie King's "San-Ho-Zay", the super slow Blues "Radio Blues" probably the best song of the record and very good Jimi Hendrix's cover "Little Wing". The other themes are on a good level although I would have liked to hear more piano and less organ and the version of Otis Rush's 'All your love' could have been somewhat better. Steckel is evidently influenced by one of the kings, the great Freddie King, and his voice, even if very correct, is what you would expect of someone so young. All in all it is a good disk for any Blues fan, and I am already playing it in the Blues program of Tiana's local radio station (this is a little town near Barcelona), for my listeners' delight.
Congratulations to this intrepid young Eric Steckel called to be in the higher spheres of modern Blues.
By  Jose Maria Domenech Fedi.
**
If a teenager can produce heavy rocking guitar blues of this quality, there is no need to worry. This is blues guitar at it's best. If this came from a seasoned player with a long trackrecord, you'd hail it as one of his best. This player is barely into his teens and created this amazing blues cd. The playing is off the charts and his version of LITTLE WINGS is the best I've ever heard. I'm sure ERIC will figure heavily in the future of electric guitar. He already has an amazing phrase book and infuses everything he plays with his own imprint.
If you have any kind of interest in the electric guitar, you have to hear this !!!!!
By Hans D HARMS.
**
Eric STECKEL - Guitars, vocals
Craig THATCHER - Guitars, vocals
Wayde LEONARD - Bass, vocals
Don PLOWMAN - Drums
**
01. San-Ho Zay 5:04
02. Radio Blues 11:00
03. Espirita  4:57
04. Me & My Guitar 4:54
05. Philips Highway 5:35
06. Deep Fried 4:33
07. Jaywalkin' 4:33
08. Hey Sister 4:51
09. Little Wing 9:52
10. All Your Love 5:43
**

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Lester DAVENPORT - When The Blues Hit You 1991

Lester DAVENPORT - When The Blues Hit You 1991

Blues

Just by remarking the extraordinary band that backs the harmonica ace LESTER DAVENPORT in this 5 stars 'When the Blues hit you', an All Star Chicago Blues Band, you can say that the record has to be very good. And it really is very very good, as good as you can expect. I don't want to point out any of the themes because all of them are at the same high level.
An authentic delight listening to the master SUNNYLAND SLIM's piano, the outstanding JOHN PRIMER's guitar (PRIMER was a player in The Teardrops, Magic Slim's band); also on the rhythmic section ROBERT STROGER on bass,ROBERT COVINGTON on drums and the silent WILLIE DAVIS playing the rhythm guitar. Great stuff, this is the real deal,
I recommend it.
By Jose Maria Domenech Fedi.
**
Until 1992, Lester Davenport's chief claims to blues fame were the 1955 Bo Diddley Chess session he played harp on (it produced "Pretty Thing" and "Bring It to Jerome") and a lengthy, much more recent stint holding down the harmonica slot with the multi-generational Gary, IN, band, the Kinsey Report. That instantly changed with the issue of Davenport's own album for Earwig, When the Blues Hit You; now this Chicago blues veteran had something on the shelves to call his very own.

Davenport hit Chicago in 1945 at age 14. He quickly soaked up the sights and sounds so prevalent on the local blues scene, checking out Arthur "Big Boy" Spires, Snooky Pryor, and Homesick James, who invited the youngster to jam sessions and tutored him on the intricacies of the idiom. Gigs with Spires and James preceded his brief hookup with Bo Diddley (which included a booking behind Diddley at New York's famous Apollo Theater). Davenport led his own band while holding down a day job as a paint sprayer during the 1960s, remaining active on the West side prior to joining forces with the Kinseys during the 1980s.
Now, about that "Mad Dog" handle: it seems that Davenport liked to prowl the stage while playing a few notes on every instrument on the bandstand during his younger days. The shtick earned him the name; his tenacious playing did the rest.
By Bill Dahl, All Music Guide.
**
John Primer- (Guitar), (Choir, Chorus),
Lester Davenport- (Harmonica), (Vocals),
Robert Covington- (Drums), (Choir, Chorus),
Sunnyland Slim- (Piano),
Bob Stroger- (Bass),
Will Davis- (Rhythm Guitar), (Choir, Chorus)
**
01. King Of The Jungle 4:29
02. I Believe My Baby Got A Mojo 6:51
03. I'm Gonna Move 3:50
04. Slow Down Baby 5:58
05. It Won't Work Like That 4:33
06. All My Life 5:53
07. Mad Dog On The Loose 4:10
08. Walkin' The Streets At Midnight 5:37
09. Just For Spite 4:17
10. My Baby's Gone 5:38
11. I'm Gonna Give It Up 4:26
12. When The Blues Hit You 4:24
**

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Johnny WINTER - Electric Blues Man 1997

Johnny WINTER - Electric Blues Man 1997
Thunderbolt CDTB 509

Blues

The Texas guitar tradition runs deep. A gutsy school of blues playing, marked by thick tones, aggressive attack and tons of technique, all delivered in a flamboyant, swaggering style that is endemic to the Lone Star State. From T-Bone Walker and Clarence Gatemouth Brown on through Albert Collins and Freddie King, Billy Gibbons and the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, the tradition of the Texas guitar slinger has lived on. The one name that ranks at the top of that exclusive list is Johnny Winter, an international ambassador for rocking Texas blues and still going strong!
**
Disc One: Album One  
01. My Baby   1:11
02. Parchman Farm   2:38
03. Night Ride   2:14
04. One Night of Love   2:16
05. Thirty Two Twenty Blues   3:04
06. Reelin' and Rockin'   2:05
07. Tramp   2:58
08. Bad News (1)   1:04
09. Bad News (2)   1:27
10. Bad News (3)   2:50
11. Suicide Won't Satisfy   2:25
12. Ice Cube   2:06
13. Easy Loving Girl   2:45
14. We Go Back Quite a Ways   3:03
15. Hello My Lover   2:17
16. Hook You   3:17
17. You'll Be the Death of Me   2:36

Disc Two: Album Two  
01. Gonna Miss Me When I'm Gone   2:17
02. Sloppy Drunk Blues   2:16
03. Goin' Down Slow   5:51
04. Low Down Gal of Mine   3:08
05. Take My Choice   4:05
06. Gangster of Love   2:43
07. Eternally   2:32
08. Blue Suede Shoes   2:06
09. Ballad of Bertha Glutz   2:25
10. Living in the Blues   2:27
11. Raindrops in My Heart   2:24
12. Black Cat Bone   4:59
13. Talk to Your Daughter   4:40
**

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Shoe Suede Blues - Saved By the Blues 2002

Shoe Suede Blues - Saved By the Blues 2002

Blues

This is the sophomore release for Shoe Suede Blues, whose members include one-time Monkee Peter Tork. It is nice to report that this album is a huge improvement from their live debut (Shoe Suede Blues Live in L.A....).Here, the songs are much shorter, tighter, and more creatively arranged, even if some of the arrangements just don't work (such is the case with their version of "Hound Dog"). Gone are the long solos/jams that clouded their first album. Instead, you have the sounds of very hard-working musicians. While this may not be the best blues album ever made, and it is not as pure as the classics, this album is still a lot of fun with some great songs. The opening (and title) track, "Saved by the Blues," is outstanding, with Tork providing some heartfelt vocals backed by a hot, tight band. The album consists mainly of covers of classic blues songs, which tends to make the band sound like a bar band. This comparison is amplified with the lo-fi sound of the disc. It is the originals that make the album worth getting. Tadg Galleran co-writes several songs here, the best being "Dress Sexy for Me" (co-written with Tork) which features some very witty lines and creative playing. As with their first effort, Tork takes a backseat here and is not the star of the band. He does not sing lead on every track, and he seems content to be the guitarist of this band. Overall, a fun, average blues-rock album with a few sparkling moments. By Aaron Badgley, All Music Guide.
**
Here's Peter Tork again, instead of tossing off another duet album with James Lee Stanley, here he's got a 4-piece combo playing straightahead blues music. This CD, "Saved By The Blues", was released in 2003--it's partly live performance & partly recorded in the studio, and more than partly, it's an embarassment. I don't deny Tork's genuine love of the blues, but he sounds seriously out of his element on here. Sonically, the CD sounds nice, & drummer John Palmer & bass guitarist Michael Sunday both do a fine job. However, Tork has never exactly been a great singer in the first place, & vocally, he frequently falls flat on his face here, & the one track that he has a writing credit on, "Dress Sexy For Me", is utterly cringe-worthy. Seemingly somewhat aware of his limitations, Tork has guitarist Richard Michaels handle a bunch of the lead vocals, but it doesn't help much. "Kiss and Tell" runs on exhaustingly as if their main goal was to make the song last more than 5 minutes, & it features a guitar solo, presumably by Tork, that is one of the most laughably clumsy and aimless I've ever heard on an official album by a veteran artist, although it does provide the disc with camp value. The album closer "Come On In My Kitchen" is so sluggish, it's eye-roll inducing. Tork largely sounds like he was sleepwalking through his performances on this CD as if it was past his bedtime. They do pull off a nicely-swinging version of "Route 66", but overall, this CD fails to either be gritty & emotional, or to be just plain mindless fun. In other words, it's a major drag.
**
Jeri Lynne- Organ, Vocals
James Lee Stanley- Vocals
Michael Sunday- Bass
Peter Tork- Guitar, Vocals
John Palmer- Drums, Percussion
Tadg Galleran- Harmonica, Vocals, Keyboards
**
01. Saved By the Blues 2:40
02. Cab Driver 2:56
03. Help Me 4:16
04. Hound Dog 3:10
05. Route 66 4:00
06. Kiss and Tell 5:24
07. Dress Sexy for Me 3:21
08. Treat Her Right 2:39
09. Big Boss Man 4:16
10. Slender Tender and Tall 2:30
11. Wine- Texas Bbq 3:07
12. Come On in My Kitchen 4:24
**

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Shakey JAKE - Mouth Harp Blues 1960

Shakey JAKE - Mouth Harp Blues 1960
Recorded in New York, November 19, 1960
BVLP 1027
Reissues 1988. Ace LP CH 236 

Blues

Jake Harris knew how to shake a pair of dice in order to roll a lucrative winner. He also realized early on that his nephew, guitarist Magic Sam, was a winner as a bluesman. Harris may have not been a technical wizard on his chosen instrument, but his vocals and harp style were proficient enough to result in a reasonably successful career (both with Sam and without).
**
Shakey Jake- Vocal, Harmonica
Robert Banks- Piano
Jimmy Lee Robinson-  Guitar
Leonard Gaskin- Bass
Junior Blackmon- Drums
**
A1. Mouth Harp Blues   
A2. Love Me Baby   
A3. Jake's Cha Cha   
A4. Gimme a Smile   
A5. My Broken Heart   
B1. Angry Lover   
B2. Things Is Alright   
B3. Easy Baby   
B4. Things Are Different Baby   
B5. It Won't Happen Again
**

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The Duke ROBILLARD Band - Duke's Blues 1996

The Duke ROBILLARD Band - Duke's Blues 1996

Blues

he last cut, hats off to Albert Collins' "Dyin' Flu," will make you fall down and beg for mercy. This is what happens when a virtuoso blues guitarist doesn't have a thing to prove and slips into the groove. Playing that is listening, ear cocked like a hound dog's in the wind, Robillard hearing whatever it was Collins must have heard when the inspiration for this one came to him. (Definitely not the same thing as imitating licks or covering a tune.) Also a plus is that Duke doesn't burden you with overload in the vocals department but when he does open his mouth, it's so right it hurts. In general Duke sings a lil too much for my taste--he should let the guitar talk for him more of the time. The other great cut on this album is "Never Let You Go" where again Duke stays mainly in instrumental mode. This man is a treasure when he really opens up on the guitar--worth waiting for!
**
In 1990, Robillard joined the Fabulous Thunderbirds. Even though he had become a member of the Austin group, the guitarist continued to record and tour as a solo artist, signing with the major label Point Blank/Virgin in 1994 for Temptation. **Duke's Blues** followed two years later, and after one more album for Virgin, 1997's Dangerous Place, Robillard signed to Shanachie for 1999's New Blues for Modern Man. Conversations in Swing Guitar followed later that year, and the prolific guitarist returned in mid-2000 with Explorer.
**
Gordon Beadle- Baritone, Tenor Sax
Duke Robillard- Guitar,Vocals
Greg Mazel- Baritone, Tenor Sax,Vibraphone
Paul Murphy- Guitar
Marty Ballou- Bass
Matt McCabe- Piano
Al Basile- Cornet
Jeff McAllister- Drums
**
01. Midnight Cannon Ball (3:03)
02. Glamour Girl (4:49)
03. I Still Love You Baby (2:58)
04. Texas Hop (2:42)
05. Don't Leave Me Baby (3:26)
06. Tell Me Why (2:48)
07. Something to Remember You By (5:52)
08. Love Slipped In (3:48)
09. Information Blues (5:06)
10. Don't Treat Me Like That (3:22)
11. Never Let You Go (5:23)
12. Gee I Wish (3:18)
13. My Heart Is Cryin' (4:27)
14. Red's Riff (6:49)
15. Dyin' Flu (11:17)
**

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Zuzu BOLLIN - Texas Bluesman 1989

Zuzu BOLLIN - Texas Bluesman 1989

Blues

In the early Fifties, Zuzu Bollin, a journeyman jump-blues singer-guitarist from Dallas, cut four superb sides for the tiny Torch label before fading away. Despite a deep, charcoal voice and a guitar style that, at times, echoed the poetic precision of T-Bone Walker, Bollin was somehow forgotten by all but the most avid blues collectors. That changed, however, in 1987 when it was discovered that Bollin was still living in the Big D and anxious to return to the blues after a thirty-five-year hiatus.
The propitious find led to a recording session and the local, vinyl-only release of Bollin's first-ever album, Texas Bluesman, in 1989. But Bollin's comeback was short-lived; he died in 1990 before he had the chance to resuscitate both his career and a big-band blues sound that had disappeared in the Sixties. Fortunately, Clifford Antone, owner of the Austin blues club and the record label that bear his name, thought so much of Texas Bluesman that he decided to re-release the album on CD and make it available to blues fans beyond the Lone Star State. Whether or not Bollin's reputation will grow larger is uncertain. But one thing is sure: Bollin should have been recording all the years he wasn't.
The proof is found in renditions of tunes like "Big Legs," "Hey Little Girl" and the Jimmy Rushing-Count Basie beauty "Blues in the Dark," all of which artfully depict how blues, rhythm & blues and Texas swing can mesh and, in the process, create big-band grooves that beckon feet to the dance floor. With Bollin at the mike and the smooth Juke Jumpers, complemented by old friends like saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman and guitarist Wayne Bennett, shoring up a swinging background, Texas Bluesman blows through contemporary music like a blast of fresh air. Bollin wasn't afraid to share the spotlight, either – just check out Bennett's eye-opening guitar work on "Cold, Cold Feeling."
On Texas Bluesman we get a taste of the state's blues legacy, but we're left with the sad wish that Bollin were around to enjoy the fun.
**
Zuzu Bollin (September 5, 1922 – October 2, 1990) was an American blues guitarist from Frisco, Texas. Originally born 'A.D. Bollin', the name 'Zuzu' is believed to refer to a brand of ginger-snap cookies popular at the time . Zuzu was thought to be dead until he was rediscovered in 1988 living in Dallas Texas by Dallas Blues Society Records founder Chuck Nevitt. Nevitt gathered together a top notch band and produced Bollin's first full length LP "Texas Bluesman" in 1989 as the debut release on Dallas Blues Society Records. This record was sold to Antones Records a couple of years later, and Antones released it on CD. This recording augmented Zuzu's only 4 sides (two 78rpm records) recorded in the early 50s on the Dallas based Torch label. Before his death in 1990 Zuzu made festival dates both in the states and abroad.
**
CD includes two previously unreleased tracks.Personnel: Zuzu Bollin (vocals, guitar); Duke Robillard, Wayne Bennett (guitar); Mike Strickland (saxophone, baritone saxophone); David "Fathead" Newman , Rocky Morales, Robert Harwell, Marchel Ivery (tenor saxophone); John Mills (baritone saxophone); Charles McBurney, Keith Winking (trumpet); Jon Blondell (trombone); Craig Simechek, Doug Sahm (piano); Doyle Bramhall, George Rains (drums).Audio Mixers: Derek O'Brien; Duke Robillard; George Rains; Stuart Sullivan; Bob Sullivan.Liner Note Authors: Derek O'Brien; Tony Burke.Recording information: Fire Station Studio, San Marcos, TX; Sumet-Bernet Studios, Dallas, TX.Photographer: Kent Barker.Unknown Contributor Role: Derek O'Brien.Zuzu's principal contribution to Texas blues history is an immaculately realized collection that includes remakes of both sides of his debut 78 (the original version of "Why Don't You Eat Where You Slept Last Night" is available on Vol. 3 of Rhino's Blues Masters series, "Texas Blues") and a uniformly tasty lineup of jump blues goodies. The sterling band includes guitarist Duke Robillard (who co-produced), drummer George Rains, and saxists David Newman and Kaz Kazanoff.
By Bill Dahl. AMG.
**
Duke Robillard- (Guitar),
Doug Sahm- (Piano),
Jack Barber- (Bass),
Wayne Bennett- (Guitar),
Jon Blondell- (Bass),
Jon Blondell- (Trombone),
Zuzu Bollin- (Guitar),(Vocals),
Doyle Bramhall- (Drums),
Sumter Bruton- (Rhythm Guitar),
Robert Harwell- (Tenor Sax),
Marchel Ivery- (Tenor Sax),
Charles McBurney- (Trumpet),
Rocky Morales- (Tenor Sax),
David "Fathead" Newman- (Tenor Sax),
George Rains- (Drums),
Craig Simechek- (Piano),
Keith Winking- (Trumpet),
Mike Strickland- (Baritone Sax),
Hash Brown- (Rhythm Guitar),
John Mills- (Baritone Sax),
Jim Milam (Clevenger Bass).
**
01.  Big Legs  02:38
02.  Hey Little Girl  03:38
03.  Blues in the Dark  04:40
04.  Kidney Stew  02:57
05.  Cold Cold Feeling  05:25
06.  What Don't You Eat Where You Slept Last Night  02:54
07.  Headlight Blues  02:56
08.  How Do You Want Your Rollin' Done  02:58
09.  Leary Blues  03:37
10.  Rebecca  03:26
11.  Zu's Blues  05:22
**

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Seasick STEVE and The Level Devils - Cheap 2004

Seasick STEVE and The Level Devils - Cheap 2004

Blues

*Cheap* is the debut album from Seasick Steve. It consists of songs by him and his Swedish band The Level Devils, and also two stories from his life as a hobo.
The Level Devils consisted at this time of Kai Christoffersen playing the drums and Jo Husmo bass. Dan Magnusson subsequently took over drumming duties.
**
Resoundingly lo-fi and raw, this album from Seasick Steve and the Level Devils
thunders out of the speakers just like the late R L Burnside used to do. Ragged
and loud, it makes most other modern music sound distinctly artificial.
Interspersed with stories of his life as a hobo, he lays down a fearsome groove.
"Sorry Mr Jesus" and "8 Ball" hit you hard with their sheer intensity. "Xmas
Prison Blues" comes straight from the heart and "Rooster Blues" ends the album
with a slice of pure Chicago style blues. Not so much produced as persuaded on
to tape, this music sounds like it should be on an old 78 rather than the
pristine digital clarity of our modern age.
Raw and at the same time unassuming, Seasick Steve is about as far from the
commercial forefront as you can get these days. Maybe that explains his appeal.
Out of time but not out of place, who said a white man cannot feel the blues?
The truth is on show here and to (over) use a phrase the Bluesbunny is fond of,
Seasick Steve is the real deal.
**
Seasick Steve- Guitars and Foot Percussion
Jo Husmo- Bass
Kai Christoffersen- Drums
**
01. Cheap 4:05
02. Rockin' Chair 3:36
03. Hobo Blues 3:01
04. Story #1 5:45
05. Sorry My Jesus 4:17
06. Love Thang 3:44
07. Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde 5:14
08. Story #2 7:07
09. 8 Ball 3:41
10. Xmas Prison Blues 4:16
11. Levi Song 4:20
12. Rooster Blues 10:47
**

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Son SEALS Blues Band - Son Seals Blues Band 1973

Son SEALS Blues Band - Son Seals Blues Band 1973
AL 4703

Blues

Originally issued in 1973 on Bruce Iglauer's then-new Alligator label, this is the late, great Frank "Son" Seals' debut album, a supremely rough, tough affair with some stinging lead guitar playing, tougher and less polished than Stevie Ray Vaughan and at least as gritty as Johnny Winter and Buddy Guy.

Son Seals mines classic Chicago blues grooves on the swinging "Look Now, Baby" and the slow "Cotton Pickin' Blues", and other highlights include the grinding (and thoroughly unsentimental) "Your Love Is Like A Cancer", the fiery "Mother-In-Law Blues", a genuine blues in the vein of Elmore James, and the funky "How Could She Leave Me". But there are really no weak tracks here at all, just forty minutes of slashing guitar playing and raw bluesy goodness played by the stripped-down four-piece band (Seals, bassist John Riley, drummer Charles Caldwell, and organ player Johnny "Big Moose" Walker").

These compositions are less influenced by soul and rock than Seals' albums would be just a few years later, so there are more traditional A-A-B-arrangements here than on his other records, and his lead guitar playing is sharp as shards of broken glass, as gritty as anything you'll ever hear on a 70s blues record. And while "The Son Seals Blues Band" is perhaps not as instantly memorable as the best work of Muddy Waters or Howlin' Wolf, it is a very enjoyable record even without an obvious replacement for "Hoochie Coochie Man"!
By  Docendo Discimus.
**
The Chicago mainstay's debut album was a rough, gruff, no-nonsense affair typified by the decidedly unsentimental track "Your Love Is like a Cancer." Seals wasn't all that far removed from his southern roots at this point, and his slashing guitar work sports a strikingly raw feel on his originals "Look Now, Baby," "Cotton Picking Blues," and "Hot Sauce" (the latter a blistering instrumental that sounds a bit like the theme from Batman played sideways).
By Bill Dahl. AMG.
**
Son Seals- (Guitar),(Vocals),
Charles Caldwell- (Drums),
John Riley- (Bass),
Johnny Big Moose Walker- (Organ).
**
A1. Mother-in-Law Blues  3:12
A2. Sitting at My Window  4:30
A3. Look Now, Baby  3:24
A4. Your Love Is Like a Cancer  4:30
A5. All Your Love  3:34
B1. Cotton Picking Blues  4:38
B2. Hot Sauce (Inst.)   3:04
B3. How Could She Leave Me  3:39
B4. Going Home Tomorrow  3:37
B5. Now That I'm Down  5:58
**

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Lefty DIZZ, Feat. Big "Moose Walker" - Shake For Me 1979

Lefty DIZZ, Feat. Big "Moose Walker" - Shake For Me 1979
(Blues Refence)
2002 Issue

Blues

In a town like Chicago, where the competition in blues clubs was tough and keen (and still is on a hot night), certain musicians quickly learned that sometimes red-hot playing and singing didn't always get the job done by themselves. You had to entertain, put on a show, because there was always someone looking to take your gig away from you. Only those willing to protect their bandstand — and their livelihood in the long run — by generally peppering their presentation with a small to large dollop of showmanship were smart enough to hang in for the long run, keeping both their hometown audience and their turf intact. Although blues revisionist history always seems to overlook this, the show that T-Bone Walker, Guitar Slim, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Little Walter, Buddy Guy and others did in front of a Black audience was wilder and far more audacious than the one a more reserved White audience ever got to see. For wild-ass showmen in blues history, though, one would certainly have to go a far piece to beat Walter Williams, known to blues fans in Chicago and Europe as Lefty Dizz.... A regular fixture of the Chicago scene from the mid-'60s into the early '90s, Lefty was quite a sight back in those days; fronting his band, Shock Treatment, playing and singing with an unbridled enthusiasm while simultaneously putting on a show that would have oldtimers guffawing in appreciation while scaring White patrons out of their wits. As an entertainer, he was simply nothing less than a modern day Guitar Slim informed with the outrage of a Hendrix, pulling out every trick in the book to win over an audience, whether he was protecting his home turf bandstand or stealing the show while sitting in somewhere else. It was nothing for him to play a slow blues, bring the band down, and start walking through the crowd dragging his beat-up Stratocaster behind him like a sack of potatoes, playing it with one hand the entire time. Or take on some young Turk axeman gunning for his scalp (and gig) by kicking off Freddie King's "Hideaway" at an impossibly fast tempo, calling for break after break while infusing all of them with so many eye-popping gags that the young Turk in question was merely reduced to becoming another member of the audience. As a bluesman, he was nothing less than deep and 100% for real. Nobody messed with Lefty Dizz.... Born in Arkansas in 1937, Dizz (the nickname was bestowed on him by Hound Dog Taylor and the HouseRockers, appropriating it from drummer Ted Harvey, who used the name when he was "playing jazz in the alley") started playing guitar at age 19 after a four-year hitch in the Air Force. Entirely self-taught, he played a standard right-handed model flipped upside down, without reversing the strings. His sound was raw and distorted and his style owed more to the older bluesmen than to the hipper West Side players like Otis Rush and Buddy Guy working in the B.B. King mode. By the time he came to Chicago, he had honed his craft well enough to become a member of Junior Wells's band in 1964, recording and touring Africa, Europe and Southeast Asia with him until the late '60s. At various times during the '60s and early '70s, he'd also moonlight as a guitarist with Chicago stalwarts J.B. Lenoir and Hound Dog Taylor, while sitting in everywhere and playing with seemingly everyone. While being well known around town as a "head cutter," Lefty Dizz was always welcome on anyone's bandstand. His personality, while seemingly carefree and humorous, masked a deep, highly intelligent individual who had also earned a degree in economics from Southern Illlinois University.... He kept soldiering on in the blues trenches through the '90s when he was diagnosed with cancer of the esophagus. While chemotherapy helped, Lefty went back to work far too soon and far too hard to stay on top of his game for much longer. The unflappable Dizz, who could seemingly make the best out of any given situation without complaint and had friends in the blues community by the truckload, finally passed away on September 7, 1993. And with his passing, the blues lost perhaps its most flamboyant showman.
By Cub Koda, All Music Guide.
**
Odie Payne, Jr.-Drums
Big "Moose" Walker- Piano, Vocals
Lefty Dizz- Guitar, Vocals
Willie James Lyons-Guitar
**
01. R.M. Blues 2:47
02. Blue Shadows (take 2) 3:40
03. Take Out Some Insurance 3:54
04. Cummins Prison Farm 4:37
05. I Found Out 5:21
06. Shake For Me 4:24
07. Funny Acting Woman 4:12
08. The Things I Used To Do 4:34
09. Blue Shadows (take 1) 4:14
10. Moose Boogie 2:46
11. One Eyed Woman 4:06
12. All Right, OK, You Win 3:00
13. Lake Shore Drive Boogie 3:09
**


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Koko TAYLOR - I Got What It Takes 1977

Koko TAYLOR- I Got What It Takes 1977
1997 Issue. MCD 09328

Blues

With 18 tracks spanning 1964-1971, this compilation receives the nod over the shorter Koko Taylor (eight cuts double off anyway). Opening with her nails-tough "I Got What It Takes," the disc boasts "Wang Dang Doodle," several sides never before on album, and the strange, previously unissued "Blue Prelude." Four 1971 tracks from Taylor's tough to find second Chess album, Basic Soul, are also aboard (including "Bills, Bills and More Bills" and her queenly version of "Let Me Love You Baby"). Producer Willie Dixon's guiding hand is apparent everywhere. By Bill Dahl, All Music Guide.
**
Willie Dixon- (Bass), (Vocals),
Buddy Guy- (Guitar),
Big Walter Horton- (Harmonica),
Matt "Guitar" Murphy- (Guitar),
Louis Myers- (Guitar),
Robert Nighthawk- (Guitar),
Koko Taylor- (Vocals),
Gene Barge- (Tenor Sax),
Dillard Crume- (Bass),
Fred Below- (Drums),
Bob Crowder- (Drums),
Al Duncan- (Drums),
Donald Hankins- (Saxophone),
Clifton James- (Drums),
Lafayette Leake- (Piano),(Keyboards), 
Jack Meyers- (Bass),
Muddy Waters- (Vocals),
Louis Satterfield- (Bass),
Sunnyland Slim- (Piano),
John Williams- (Guitar),
Dave Meyers- (Electric Bass),
Rufus Grume- (Guitar),
Dennis Miller- (Guitar).
**
Track 1 taken from Checker single 1092.
Track 2 taken from Chess LP 1532 "Koko Taylor".
Track 3 taken from Chess LP 1532 "Koko Taylor".
Track 4 taken from Chess LP 1532 "Koko Taylor".
Track 5 taken from Checker single 1135.
Track 6 taken from Checker single 1174.
Track 7 taken from Checker single 1166.
Track 8 taken from Checker single 1166.
Track 9 taken from Chess LP 1532 "Koko Taylor".
Track 10 taken from Chess LP 1532 "Koko Taylor".
Track 11 taken from Checker single 1210.
Track 12 taken from Chess LP 1532 "Koko Taylor".
Track 13 is previously unreleased.
Track 14 taken from Chess LP 1532 "Basic Soul".
Track 15 taken from Chess LP 1532 "Basic Soul".
Track 16 taken from Chess LP 1532 "Basic Soul".
Track 17 taken from Chess LP 60015 "Blues Rock Avalanches - The Montreaux Festival".
*
01. I Got What It Takes (Willie Dixon Koko Taylor) (3:08)
02. Don't Mess with the Messer (Willie Dixon Koko Taylor) (2:45)
03. Whatever I Am, You Made Me (Willie Dixon Koko Taylor) (2:28)
04. I'm a Little Mixed Up (Edward Johnson, Betty James Koko Taylo) (2:42)
05. Wang Dang Doodle (Willie Dixon Koko Taylor) (3:01)
06. (I Got) All You Need (Willie Dixon Koko Taylor) (2:18)
07. Love Me (Willie Dixon Koko Taylo) (2:48)
08. What Came First the Egg or the Hen (Willie Dixon Koko Taylo) (2:28)
09. Insane Asylum  (Willie Dixon Koko Taylor) (4:22)
10. Fire (Willie Dixon Koko Taylor) (2:35)
11. I Don't Care Who Knows (Willie Dixon Koko Taylor) (2:13)
12. Twenty-Nine Ways to My Baby's Door (Willie Dixon Koko Taylor) (3:13)
13. Blue Prelude (Gordon Jenkins, Joe Bishop Koko Taylor) (3:32)
14. I Need More and More (Willie Dixon Koko Taylor) (2:44)
15. Um Huh My Baby (Willie Dixon, Harold Barrage Koko Taylor) (3:52)
16. Bills, Bills and More Bills (Willie Dixon Koko Taylor) (2:52)
17. Let Me Love You Baby (Willie Dixon, James Ingram Koko Taylor) (2:48)
18. Untitled  (Willie Dixon Koko Taylor, Muddy Waters) (6:24)
**

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John MOONEY - Testimony 1992

John MOONEY - Testimony 1992

Blues

Testimony captures the driving intensity of John Mooney's live shows. Recorded with a stellar supporting band -- featuring drummer Johnny Vidcovich and the Meters' bassist George Porter, Jr. -- Testimony featuring seven covers (including cuts by Robert Johnson and Son House) and seven originals, which are easily among the best that Mooney has ever written. But the key to the record is the sound -- not only is Mooney's guitar playing hot and greasy, but there's a tense fury to his vocals that brings the whole thing to a boil. Testimony is a gripping listen and one of the best albums Mooney ever recorded.
By Thom Owens, All Music Guide.
**
This is one of the best delta blues albums ever made and John Mooney is a top notch musician. Great singer songwriter and amazing guitarist, the best I've ever seen live. John combines delta blues (Muddy Waters, Son House, Robert Johnson) with the funky beats of New Orleans (Professor Longhair) and you have a very unique style of blues. He has an all-star cast with him on this CD and the results are off the charts. This is a must own CD. Go see John Mooney, your musical world will never be the same.
**
George Porter Jr.- Bass
Johnny Vidacovich- Drums
Tommy Malone- Vocals (Background), Guitar (Acoustic)
Jon Cleary- Piano
Darryl JohnsonVocals (Background)
Dr. John- Piano
Ivan Neville- Piano, Clavichord, Organ (Hammond)
John Mooney- Guitar, Vocals
**
01. I Plead Guilty
02. One Thing
03. Lil' Queen of Spades
04. Push and Shove
05. In the Night
06. Take Time to Know Her
07. I Wish I Was in Heaven Sitting Down
08. Cryin' Out Loud
09. Maybe Baby
10. Levee Camp Moan
11. Common Ground
12. Married Woman Blues
13. Man's Gotta Do
14. Hey Now Baby
**

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Joanna CONNOR - Big Girl Blues 1995

Joanna CONNOR - Big Girl Blues 1995

Blues

What sets Joanna Connor apart from the rest of the pack of guitar-playing female blues singers is her skill on the instrument. Even though Connor has become an accomplished singer over time, her first love was guitar playing, and it shows in her live shows and on her recordings.

Brooklyn-born, Massachusetts-raised Joanna Connor was drawn to the Chicago blues scene like a bee to a half-full soda can. Connor, a fiery guitarist raised in the 1970s -- when rock & roll was all over the mass media -- just wanted to play blues. She was born August 31, 1962, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and raised by her mother in Worcester, MA. She benefitted from her mother's huge collection of blues and jazz recordings, and a young Connor was taken to see people like Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt, Ry Cooder and Buddy Guy in concert.
Connor got her first guitar at age seven. When she was 16, she began singing in Worcester-area bands, and when she was 22, she moved to Chicago. Soon after her arrival in 1984, she began sitting in with Chicago regulars like James Cotton, Junior Wells, Buddy Guy and A.C. Reed. She hooked up with Johnny Littlejohn's group for a short time before being asked by Dion Payton to join his 43rd Street Blues Band. She performed with Payton at the 1987 Chicago Blues Festival. Later that year, she was ready to put her own band together.
Her 1989 debut for the Blind Pig label, Believe It!, got her out of Chicago clubs and into clubs and festivals around the U.S., Canada and Europe. Her other albums include 1992's Fight for Blind Pig (the title track a Luther Allison tune), Living on the Road (1993) and Rock and Roll Gypsy (1995), the latter two for the Ruf Records label. Slidetime on Blind Pig followed in 1998 and Nothing But the Blues, a live recording of a 1999 show in Germany, appeared on the German Inakustik label in 2001. Connor left Blind Pig and signed to small indie label M.C. in 2002. Her first release for her new label, The Joanna Connor Band, finds Connor expanding her sound a bit in an attempt to reach a more mainstream audience.
Connor has blossomed into a gifted blues songwriter. Her songwriting talents, strongly influenced by greats like Luther Allison, will insure that she stays in the blues spotlight for years to come.
By Richard Skelly, All Music Guide.
**
If there was ever a doubt that a woman could play heavy-duty lead guitar like the men, it is completely and irrevocably dispelled on this CD. Joanna Connor is " proof positive" that women can wail and flail with the best of them. She moves between slide and traditional guitar with ease and is equally marvelous at both. The fact that she does it all on a Les Paul adds to the thrill. She also happens to sing and write well too. I have owned this CD for quite some time and every time I play it, it never ceases to amaze me. It is Blues but some tunes have a rock edge, which actually allows Joanna allot more room to display her 6 string talents. The best endorsement I can give this CD, is that everyone I play it for the first time runs right out a buys it.
**
The comparison of Connor to Bonnie Raitt is unavoidable, considering the similarities of their vocal style and skill at slide guitar. But Connor offers a more savage guitar approach, akin to George Thorogood, and she comes on as a bit nastier. The album is filled with impressive guitar work, but the bad-girl pose wears thin after a while.
What sets Joanna Connor apart from the rest of the pack of guitar-playing female blues singers is her skill on the instrument. Even though Connor has become an accomplished singer over time, her first love was guitar playing, and it shows in her live shows and on her recordings.
Her 1989 debut for the Blind Pig label, Believe It!, got her out of Chicago clubs and into clubs and festivals around the U.S., Canada and Europe. Her other albums include 1992's Fight for Blind Pig (the title track a Luther Allison tune), Living on the Road (1993) , Rock and Roll Gypsy (1995) and Big girl blues 1995, the latter two for the Ruf Records label. Slidetime on Blind Pig followed in 1998 and Nothing But the Blues, a live recording of a 1999 show in Germany, appeared on the German Inakustik label in 2001. Connor left Blind Pig and signed to small indie label M.C. in 2002. Her first release for her new label, The Joanna Connor Band, finds Connor expanding her sound a bit in an attempt to reach a more mainstream audience.
Connor has blossomed into a gifted blues songwriter. Her songwriting talents, strongly influenced by greats like Luther Allison, will insure that she stays in the blues spotlight for years to come.
**
01. Big Girl Blues (3:47)
02. 43rd St. (4:35)
03. Fly Away (4:25)
04. They Love Each Other (4:28)
05. Sweet Baby (3:11)
06. You Should Be My Lover (4:28)
07. Sister Spirit (4:28)
08. You Oughta Know (4:33)
09. Heart Of The Blues (6:01)
10. Juicy (4:11)
11. Meditations (4:05)
12. Smoke It Up (3:30)
**

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Buddy GUY and Junior WELLS - Alone and Acoustic 1991

Buddy GUY and Junior WELLS - Alone and Acoustic 1991

Blues

This CD is simply outstanding. Originally released in 1981, it features blues greats Buddy Guy and Junior Wells unplugged. Two men, one day in Paris, one acoustic guitar and one harmonica with each sharing the vocal duties. While the material is not new it is performed with such individuality and conviction that other interpretations of this same material pales in comparison. There are 15 songs arranged into an hours worth of deep south acoustic blues. This has got to be one of Alligators finest releases and is a must have for any fan of these two giants, fans of acoustic blues and fans of the blues period.
**
The magical synergy of Junior Wells and Buddy Guy was apparent in "Hoodoo Man Blues", recorded before Buddy Guy was well known. Junior Wells' subsequent solo works, while workmanlike, have never achieved the same pinnacle (e.g., Come On Into This House). With this joint effort, that synergy is back.
It is very interesting to see (hear) the pair together 30 years after that first work together. The undefinable synergy is still there - Is it the way Buddy sets up a background for Junior's vocals or harmonica? Or is it the way that Junior defers to Buddys guitar? However, with age, the two interact more sensitively and with a polish - No, a burnished patina - that makes this work a mellower version of their earlier work together. Both performers are secure in their careers and accomplishments and this results in a very special and mature interaction between them.
From the folk blues of Big Boat to the John Lee Hooker homage in Boogie Chillen, the pairing in "Alone and Acoustic" is seamless - You can almost see one person playing the guitar and harmonica while singing.
Caution: As the title suggests, this is not the Buddy Guy that Jimi Hendrix studied. For those of us who grew up with the Eric Clapton of John Mayall (also Cream, Blind Faith) Canned Heat, and Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac as our introduction to the blues (along with Hendrix's 'Red House') in the late 60's, this could be a disappointment. But to me the CD is not. It is a great pleasure, with the lack of other instruments a sort of relief. No, for those of us of that era, this is more like the 'Hot Tuna' record (remember records?) after lots of electric music from Jefferson Airplane, Led Zepplin, Cream, Iron Butterfly, etc... clean and unpretentious.
And in 'Big Boat' we hear something like one of my favorites from Hoodoo Man, Buddy's sharp "Ow!" during Junior's first harmonica solo in 'Early in the Morning'. And Buddy sings on this one, too! (Hoodoo Man is one of the classic blues albums - Do yourself a favor and get it if you don't have it!)
By  Henry Kerfoot.
**
One of the best duos in the history of the blues, guitarist Buddy Guy and harmonica player Junior Wells made several recordings together over the decades, but this one is unique in their discography. Recorded in the midst of a 1981 European tour, Guy and Wells took a break from their backing musicians and amps to cut this spontaneous, all-acoustic set. The results stand in stark contrast to the hot-and-heavy Chicago blues the duo is known for. Instead, 1981's ALONE & ACOUSTIC is relaxed and personal, with an intimate, back-porch feel.
Guy switches between six- and 12-string guitars, and lays down rootsy acoustic rhythms for Wells's keening harmonica lines. The two share vocal duties, spinning through a handful of originals (including Guy's "Give Me My Coat and Shoes" and Wells's "Wrong Doing Woman"), songs by John Lee Hooker ("Boogie Chillen") and Muddy Waters ("My Home's in the Delta"), as well as some nods to traditional tunes ("Catfish Blues"). In fact, the performances here pay homage to the rural, country-blues roots these modern bluesmen share. Originally released only in France, ALONE & ACOUSTIC was reissued by Alligator Records in 1991 with five bonus tracks.
This reissue includes 5 previously unreleased songs.
**
Buddy Guy- Electric Guitar, Vocals, 12-string Guitar
Junior Wells- Harmonica, Vocals
**
01. Give Me My Coat And Shoes 3:49
02. Big Boat (Buddy and Junior's Thing) 5:13
03. Sweet Black Girl 3:32
04. Diggin' My Potatoes 4:28
05. Don't Leave Me 3:43
06. Rollin' and Tumblin' 4:33
07. I'm In The Mood 3:22
08. High Heel Sneakers 4:56
09. Wrong Doing Woman 3:00
10. Cut You Loose 4:03
11. Sally Mae 2:30
12. Catfish Blues 3:33
13. My Home's In The Delta 3:05
14. Boogie Chillen 4:00
15. Baby What You Want Me To Do/That's Allright 5:44
**

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Robert NIGHTHAWK & Forest City JOE - Black Angel Blues 1991

Robert NIGHTHAWK & Forest City JOE - Black Angel Blues 1991

Blues

Got the blues in the mornin',
Lord, I got the blues all through my day.
Now you know the worst thing man,
The blues gone to my head.
**
Nighthawks 1948-1950 twelve Aristocrat/Chess sides plus two 1964 tracks are on Black Angel Blues (Chess (Charly) CD RED 29). On four of the Chess titles Nighthawk is only playing guitar, though. Ethel Mae is the name of the vocalist. The remaining eight tracks on this CD are Forest City Joe's eight 1948 Aristocrat titles. This album is of course out of print, but could maybe be found second hand. Also, I think it has been reissued by some other company.
**
On April 3rd, 1960, Joe was returning home with friends from a dance when their truck flipped over by Horseshoe Lake. Joe's head was crushed and he died instantly. No one was around to write a "Memory of Forrest City Joe" and it would be another decade before his death was confirmed.
**
Forest City Joe- Harmonica, Vocals
Robert Nighthawk- Guitar, Vocals

01.My Sweet Lovin' Woman
02.Down the Line
03.Sweet Black Angel
04.Handsome Lover
05.She Knows How to Love a Man
06.Annie Lee Blues
07.Sugar Papa
08.Return Mail Blues
09.Good News
10.Six Three O
11.Prison Bound
12.Jackson Town Gal
13.Sorry My Angel
14.Someday
15.Memory of Sonny Boy
16.Special Delivery Man
17.Shady Lane Woman
18.A Woman on Every Street
19.Sawdust Bottom
20.Ash Street Boogie
21.Mean Mistreatin' Woman
22.Lonesome Day Blues
**

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George "Wild Child" BUTLER - The Devil Made Me Do It 1991

George "Wild Child" BUTLER - The Devil Made Me Do It 1991

Blues

On October 1, 1936, in Autaugaville, Alabama, a 13-year-old girl, Beatrice Butler, gave birth to the first of her nine children, a baby boy who was to become the subject of this interview: George Wild Child Butler. George remembers, "On Sundays some of the older ladies would come to the shack where we lived to visit my mother, and even as a toddler I would grab their legs and tug their skirts. The ladies would tell my mother that she had to do something about that Wild Child, and the name just stuck". In fact, when you meet George Butler, one finds him to be a pleasant, highly personable man with a ready smile as big as an Alabama cotton field, and in no way in keeping with the image conjured up by the name Wild Child.
**
01. These Mean Old Blues   3:26
02. Give Me an Answer   3:54
03. Anyone Can Say They Love You   4:15
04. Crack House Woman   4:26
05. Walkin' the Little Girl Home   4:43
06. The Devil, Made Me Do It   3:13
07. It's a Pity   4:36
08. No One Woman's Man   3:22
09. It's A Sin To Be A Thief 4:37
10. My Woman's Been Misled   4:15
11. Do Your Thing   4:21
**

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The Holmes Brothers - Jubilation 1991

The Holmes Brothers - Jubilation 1991

Blues

Jubilation is a revealing, wonderful collection of the Holmes Brothers' distinctive soul. The brothers tie together a seemingly disconnected array of styles -- everything from straightforward blues, R&B, and gospel to worldbeat and country -- and come up with a cohesive whole. Even when the group delves into soukous or works with a Chinese flutist, it manages to retain the pure qualities of American blues and R&B.
By Thom Owens, All Music Guide.
**
Simply brilliant mix of traditional original gospel songs, and the performances are soul-shaking. This real gospel music, capable of delivering a religious experience to the non-religious. Congratulations to Peter Gabrel for recognizing what a good number of fans worldwide know: The Holmes Brothers are the best band!
By  Frederick Rudofsky
**
Sheila Chandra- (Vocals (Background),
Mari Boine Persen- (Vocals (Background),
Remmy Ongala- (Vocals (Background),
Scott Billington- (Vocals (Background),
Paul Brennan- (Vocals (Background),
Andy Breslau (Vocals (Background),
Wendy Tobiassen- (Vocals (Background),
Cosmas Chidmule- (Vocals (Background),
Popsy Dixon- (Percussion),(Drums),(Vocals),
Alex Gifford- (Organ (Hammond)),
Sherman Holmes- (Bass), (Piano), (Arranger), (Vocals),
Wendell Holmes- (Guitar), Piano), (Arranger), (Vocals),
Karl Wallinger- (Vocals (Background)),
Gib Wharton- (Dobro), Gib Wharton (Pedal Steel),
Guo Yue- (Bamboo Flute),
Hasani Ayas Ayas- (Guitar),
Batii Osenga Ipopolipo- (Guitar),
Shemboza Shekungu Mkiva- (Guitar).
**
01. Jesus Is Alright 2:34
02. I Had My Chance 3:31
03. Amazing Grace 7:55
04. I'll Fly Away 3:06
05. I Want Jesus To Walk With Me 4:50
06. Pass Me Not Oh Gentle Saviour 3:57
07. Will The Circle Be Unbroken 7:00
08. Just A Closer Walk With Thee 3:40
09. All Night All Day 2:32
10. Do Lord 2:39
11. Oh How I Love Jesus 3:11
12. The Power Of The Lord Come Down 2:36
13. A Brother's Prayer 2:30
**

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Blues Messengers - Blues To Gray 2000

Blues Messengers - Blues To Gray 2000

Blues

We Are Constantly Being surprised at Blues4ever here, not just by the quality and diversity of Some of the CD's sent in to us by But Their origin. We never contemplated romantic Italy as a hot bed of blues music But Were Proved emphatically wrong. When Blue Messengers Sent Us Their 'Blues To Gray' CD We Were blown away by what we heard. A mixture of electric blues and blues / rock with a large Measure of soul, Their sound will grab you and hold you from the first track to the last.
Blue Messengers Were Formed in 1996 in Rome from a collaboration of American and Italian musicians. The singer Shawn Logan is Chicago born and bred But now lives Between Colombia, South Carolina and Rome. His amazing vocal talent Enables HIM to Perform hard, raw rocking numbers like 'Color And Kind' the opening track on CD and Their soulful blues like 'Blues To Gray' the title track with equal ease. Underpinning the group's tight performances is the formidable guitar playing of Lello Panico from Caserta, Italy. Though Shawn and Lello are undoubtedly the driving force of the Blue Messengers sound They are admirably supported by Salazzo Henry on keyboards, Joseph Lepore on bass guitar and Luke on drums Trolli.
If You Thought That The Best Things to Come Out of Italy Were pizza, opera and fast cars, then prepare yourself for a shock!
By Ian Brown.
**
The rock band blues guitarist Neapolitan Lello Panico reach the second CD with an enthusiasm cemented by performances in concerto.La formula has remained unchanged, with the American singer Shawn Logan to give impetus to the soulful vocals, blues-rock riffs and strong supported by rhythm of Joseph Lepore and Luca Trolli. What is even more loose and nimble guitar is Lello Panico, definitely has a feeling of intense sprint particularly in solos and fills fast counterpoint vocals. Look for example the fast shuffle "All the Way", with an impressive solo attack with Robben Ford and the Battery Trolli decided to push. Other exciting up-tempo is "Love's Merry Go Round, funky soul with colors that do not encroach on the verve guitar, but rather I offer playful fusion flavors.
The voltage remains high on "I Want You", excitedly smash with a text on a nursery rhyme riffs pressing led to the doubling of the battery at issue; solo with wah-wah Panic is one of the most tense moments throughout the disc. The compositions of Lello Panico take away from the typical pattern rather than the blues, as the slow shuffle "In Love Again", but buying in energy executive personality and feeling in the executive and the overall feeling (well supported by the body of Henry Hammond Solazzo ).
Even in the clow blues band moves confidently taking the attention: "Blues to Gray" is burned in growing grain with soul, and "Do not Let the Sun Go Down" is embellished with a solo warm.
The covers are dealt with safely and powerful. "Color and Kind" Chester Burnett made from very soft rears with extraordinary agility in absolute rhythm guitar (one of the best measures of panic on the disk, almost as a tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan). "Crossroads Robert Johnson is linked to famous version of Cream, adding chili to the cute stop-go rhythm and a blazing solo that does not fear comparisons with Clapton and Robben Ford.
"Bright Lights Big City" closes the disc uptempo, just like the finale of a concert on the rise: Blue Messengers are particularly fun to see a band live, but this disc gives a comprehensive picture cominque their office and especially Under the brilliant guitar Lello Panico.
By Maximum Bracco.
**
Second test record for this training which brings together some great musicians nostrani with a great American voice, that of Shawn Logan. In particular, it is difficult to understand that the soul of the group is to Lello Panico, Caserta guitarist well known to frequenters of jazz / blues nostrane.
If, as is often heard repeating the Italian blues band are used to repeat clichés than expected and are very far from the mastery of sound and rhythmic sensibility needed to play this music, the Blue Messengers are a group called effectively out of the fray. The first point in their favor can not be the voice of Logan Black birthright but notable for expressive capacity, in its perfect home in several original songs (which is the author with music by Panic), as in cover " Color and Kind "of Holin'Wolf," Crossroads "by Robert Johnson (with direct reference to claptoniana version of Cream)," Bright Lights, Big City Jimmy Reed. Lello Panico clearly shows a love for blues boundaries rather open, able to wander out I stayed stylistic horizons of more 'orthodox' in the environment, always indicating a preference for the more personal approach and sophisticated people like Robben Ford itself as a soloist and refined, relentless rhythm.
The band lives up to the two frontmen, and includes Solazzo Henry on keyboards, Joseph Lepore on bass and Luca Trolli on drums.
By Tavernese Stephen.
**
01. Color And Kind 3:37
02. All The Way 3:51
03. No Other Man 4:20
04. Blues To Gray 5:16
05. Love's Merry-Go-Round 6:54
06. Crossroads 3:34
07. Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin' 5:07
08. In Love Again 6:20
09. I Want You 3:49
10. Bright Lights Big City 3:25
**

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Johnny ADAMS - Sings Doc Pomus, The Real Me 1991

Johnny ADAMS - Sings Doc Pomus, The Real Me 1991

Another composer tribute from New Orleans soul legend Adams (his previous album was devoted to the songs of Percy Mayfield), and a typically classy piece of work. Produced by longtime collaborator Dr. John, THE REAL ME finds the nonpareil vocalist interpreting mostly unfamiliar songs by Doc Pomus, the New York City writer who crafted scores of hit songs for the likes of Elvis Presley, Dion, the Coasters, and Bobby Darin. The basic sound here is gospel and blues (Pomus' first love), and Adams does full justice to Pomus's frequently depressing tales of romance gone bad; in fact, if you can listen to the almost unbelievably depressing "Still in Love," which Adams sings with astonishing gravity, without getting a little misty eyed, you probably need to have your meds adjusted.
**
Johnny Adams- (Vocals);
Duke Robillard- (Acoustic & Electric Guitars);
Eric Traub- (Tenor Sax);
Alvin "Red" Tyler- (Baritone Sax);
Charlie Miller- (Trumpet);
Mac "Dr. John" Rebennack- (Piano, Hammond B-3 Organ, Percussion);
James Singleton- (Bass);
Johnny Vidacovich- (Drums).
**
01. Imitation of Love 4:31
02. Still In Love 3:42
03. There Is Always One More Time 3:43
04. My Baby's Quit Me 3:34
05. She's Everything To Me 3:35
06. I Underestimated You 4:43
07. Blinded By Love 5:51
08. Prisoner Of Life 4:01
09. The Night Is A Hunter 4:37
10. No One 3:59
11. The Real Me 4:06
**

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